Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why I am supporting Jesse Mermell for Congress and why I’m not supporting Jake Auchincloss

As an undecided voter, I asked both candidates the tough, controversial questions and their stances on the issues. The difference? Everything. I approached Jake while he was campaigning in Coolidge Corner, introduced myself, and asked if I could record the conversation for my husband to watch later, his answer, no. I previewed with him that I planned to ask tough questions and have done this with other candidates. After about 10 minutes, Jake and his campaign manager found the first opportunity to stop the conversation, using a newly arrived volunteer as an out. I had reached out to Jesse Mermell on social media, she then called me and I asked if I could put it on speaker for my husband to listen to, she said of course. Jesse spent over 30 minutes on the phone with me on a Friday evening. Realizing I ask tough questions and the conversation was pushing half an hour I said I don’t want to take up too much of your time, her response “I have all evening.” When I asked Jake about his controversial campaign donations from big pharma and fossil fuel industries, he responded “big pharma is not the boogieman.” When I asked Jesse Mermell about her campaign donations she admittedly said she “couldn’t self fund her campaign even if she wanted to,” directed me to her six years of posted tax returns, and was proud to say she has committed to not taking any corporate PAC money. I had asked Jake his response to the controversy surrounding his defense of students flying a confederate flag. Jake directed me to a video interview and his campaign manager also said she would send me follow up information on it. They didn’t ask for my number or email address. How was I supposed to get this? When I asked Jesse how she would respond to comments similar to those received by AOC from Ted Yoho she said I will text you a video after this. Guess what? She actually texted me right after.

Issues and policies aside, these interactions with the citizens of district four matter. Jake made me feel unwelcome, a burden and uncomfortable. Jesse made me feel like I mattered, she listened and answered every question I had. Jesse Mermell is the true leader district four needs.

Brianna Campbell

Salisbury Road